14 days until Freedom comes to the U.S.

We started hearing about the Freedom of the Seas at least a year ago. Royal Caribbean would tantalize us by revealing bits of information about the ship: Onboard surfing. A boxing ring. Cantilevered whirlpools. Family suites. The soon-to-be biggest cruise ship ever was clouded in mystery, and we almost didn’t believe she was real.

But Freedom is a reality, folks, and Royal Caribbean recently took delivery of the ship in Hamburg, Germany. The celebration kicked off a 15-day countdown (it’s 14 now!) until the Freedom arrives at the Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey, on May 10.

I’m heading to New Jersey in a few weeks to be on one of the Freedom‘s first cruises to nowhere, so stay tuned for the inside scoop on the new ship. Anything you especially want me to scope out? Send your requests to cruise@smartertravel.com.